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As Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr nears its end, speculation continues to grow around the next chapter of the Portuguese star’s career. Among the potential options being discussed, Besiktas has emerged as a surprising name on the list.
Ronaldo, 39, joined Al Nassr midway through the 2022–23 season. While he has maintained his prolific scoring form in the Saudi Pro League, he has not delivered the silverware the club had hoped for when they brought him in from Manchester United. With no new deal yet signed, Ronaldo is reportedly exploring other opportunities.
According to Mirror Football, five clubs are currently being considered as potential destinations: Sporting CP, Al Ahli, Los Angeles FC, Chelsea, and Besiktas.
One reason for the Besiktas link is the club’s reported interest in hiring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronaldo’s former manager at Manchester United. The two worked together during the 2021–22 season, when Ronaldo ended the campaign as United’s top scorer under Solskjaer and later interim coach Ralf Rangnick.
Besiktas are in the process of rebuilding their squad and could be open to a high-profile signing. Current top scorer Ciro Immobile has just one year left on his contract and has struggled with injuries this season. The club may explore whether it has the financial resources to sign Ronaldo.
However, Besiktas's appeal could be limited if they fail to qualify for European competition next season. A lack of Champions League or Europa League football may weigh on Ronaldo’s decision.
There’s also a bit of nostalgic history between Ronaldo and Besiktas. In the summer of 2017, during a live social media broadcast, the Portuguese star was asked by a fan to “Come to Besiktas.” Ronaldo replied with a smile:
“They already have Pepe and Quaresma. They don’t need me.”
The moment was widely shared among Besiktas supporters and remains a light-hearted memory of a time when three of Portugal’s biggest football names were mentioned in connection with the Istanbul giants.
Leading the list of possible destinations is Sporting CP, the club where Ronaldo began his professional career. Although Ronaldo previously said he would not return to European football—stating that he had "accomplished everything" in Europe and wanted a new challenge in Asia—reports suggest a return to Sporting could make him reconsider.
Sporting have already secured Champions League qualification and are in contention for the Portuguese league title, making a homecoming more plausible.
If Ronaldo chooses to remain in Saudi Arabia, Al Ahli may be a logical next step. The Jeddah-based club, where Turkish international Merih Demiral plays, recently won the AFC Champions League Elite and is expected to invest heavily ahead of next season.
In the U.S., the Los Angeles FC is reportedly interested in bringing Ronaldo to Major League Soccer. Such a move would not only offer a new market and fanbase but could also rekindle his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi, now playing for Inter Miami.
Meanwhile, a return to the Premier League seems unlikely, particularly to Manchester United. However, Chelsea could make a move if they decide to strengthen their attack—especially if Christopher Nkunku leaves the club this summer.
Despite being close to 40, Ronaldo has no immediate plans to retire. In a 2024 interview, he shared:
“I just want to enjoy it. Retirement plan… if it has to happen in one or two years… I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon… I really want to enjoy it. As long as I feel motivated, I’ll keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire.”
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes remain on Ronaldo, whose next move could once again make headlines around the world.
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